I also without looking would have said fodera...
but that Jazz bass Is beautiful

however.. if you are like me.. you can't afford both.. if you are looking for versitality.. go with the fodera.. if you want a huge tone... Go with the fodera... i'm sorry what I meant to say is.. go with the fodera..

No offense but with a choice of a stripped Jazz or a painted Fodera...

neither.

If I'm buying a vintage bass, I'd want it with the original finish intact. If I was getting a Fodera it would be with a natural finish. Both of these stances are from a resale POV because if I had to sell them I know these aren't that easy to sell at value. A Fodera 6 for $3k should be an excellent deal yet it's still available. I think I know why.

If I were looking for a player, I would go for the Fender. If I were looking for something to collect, I would still take the Fender. Although the refinish did hurt resale value, I believe that as the "all original" ones become "collected" and less available, in the furture "refinish" won't be as bad a word. There are only so many.

I'd go for the Fodera - I'm mostly a 6 player, and would like that sound better overall. (as you can see, I've bid on it. . .but only up to the "oh my god what a bargain!" price, $3k isn't in that range for me)

But I agree with Brad - it's really too bad that AJ is so . . . painted . . . whereas a gleaming Lake Placid Blue '63 would have me ing (I'd probably still go with the Fodera though - I don't like Fender-style basses at all, playing wise).